Dentistry News - School of Dentistry

For UAB School of Dentistry, 2024 was a year of working together to advance oral health and plan for the future. Here are some highlights of activities and events reflected in photos. Enjoy the pictures, then scroll to the bottom to view more pictures in our Year in Review video.

Kayla McCullough

Kayla McCullough with her presentation My name is Kayla McCullough, I am from Trussville, Alabama and I am a fourth year DMD/PhD student in Dr. Javed’s lab. My current project is focused on determining the role of the post-translational modification, SUMOylation during skeletal formation, specifically during endochondral ossification. I had two poster presentations and one oral presentation. The main thing I focus on when preparing my poster is ease of viewing and clarity of the data. I always want to ensure that the eye is drawn to the data by creating clean and colorful graphs that clearly display and describe the data. My oral presentation was the 411 Rapid Research competition. This presentation required me to present one PowerPoint slide to a non-specialist audience in 4 minutes. The preparation for this presentation required a very clean slide to avoid any distractions and a lot of practice to ensure that I hit all of my key points in 4 minutes. Attending the poster sessions was a great way to meet other researchers and discuss tips and tricks on how to successfully complete experiments. I really enjoyed meeting other DMD/PhD students. The most helpful session I attended was “Publishing your Manuscript: a JDR Perspective.” This session was led by Nick Jakubovics, the editor- in-chief of JDR. He provided great insight on how to best reach your target audience and how to present your research in a clear and concise manner for publication in scientific journals.

Background: During organogenesis, post-translational modifications regulate cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. SUMOylation is a ubiquitin-like post-translational modification that alters the target protein’s stability, activity, and cellular distribution. Protein SUMOylation occurs during normal development but the functional role of SUMOylation during skeletogenesis remains largely unknown. The objective of this study is to determine the expression of SUMOylation substrates and enzymes during skeletal development. Skeletal tissue from eviscerated/deskinned wild-type embryos were collected for RNA and protein isolation at day-12, 14, 16, 18, 19, newborn (NB) and 1-month stages and analyzed by real time- PCR and western blotting. Spatio-temporal expression of selected SUMOylation pathway genes was evaluated by histologic sectioning and labeling of NB femurs using RNAScope and immunofluorescence. UAB SRG Spring 2024 newsletter kaylas research

Results: Skeletogenesis in mice, initiated at embryonic day 11.5, progressively increases through embryonic and postnatal life. Expression of both Runx2 and Sp7 confirmed the progression of bone development. We find the level of Runx2 and Sp7 increased by 13-fold from E12 to NB stage. The SUMO-substrates, SUMO1 and SUMO2 were expressed at all timepoints. While SUMO2 is constitutively expressed throughout skeletal development, SUMO1 expression decreased progressively from E12 to NB stage. Expression of required substrates and enzymes for SUMOylation, specifically in chondrocytes, was established by mRNA-sequencing of purified chondrocytes from E18 pups. We found a broad expression of all essential components of SUMOylation-pathway indicating the involvement of SUMOylation during chondrogenesis. Finally, the spatio-temporal expression of selected SUMO substrates and enzymes was confirmed by RNAScope and immunofluorescence in femurs of NB mice. In conclusion, it was found that essential components of the SUMOylation pathway are expressed in skeletal tissue. Now that this expression has been confirmed, I will use mouse models to delete Ubc9 in specific chondrocytes. This will halt SUMOylation in chondrocytes, allowing us to get a better understanding of the role of SUMOylation during endochondral ossification. This critical knowledge may result in novel therapeutics for many skeletal disorders such as arthritis and osteoporosis.

Tyra Avery

Tyra Avery with her presentation I am a third-year PhD trainee student at the UAB School of Dentistry. I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee where I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from Belmont University and a master’s degree from the illustrious Fisk University. I found my passion for human health research and education. I’m currently in Dr. Javed’s lab determining the role of RING-box protein 2 (Rbx2), a key enzyme for ubiquitination, during embryonic and postnatal bone formation.

While pursuing my undergraduate degree my research focused on green titrimetric analysis. Our goal was to create interactive and inexpensive labs for high school students in the Nashville area while maintaining academic standards. We hosted teachers and students from nearby schools to teach various chemistry techniques. This experience motivated me to continue research while focusing on education. After graduating I spent a year expanding my research at Vanderbilt University focusing on Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans. Researching Alzheimer’s disease allowed me to understand how research directly impacts human health. My passion for research grew further, and I made professional connections with my mentors and students.

A major takeaway is that I met many great individuals whose research focuses on the development and disorders of craniofacial and bone. We discussed our challenges, shared new research ideas and techniques, how to improve the experimental design of our research and future career goals. In addition, I attended a session about “Oral Health and Systemic Conditions.” I gained a new perspective on how oral health is affected by mental disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and morbidity beyond effective brushing and diet. UAB SRG Spring 2024 newsletter tyras research

Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification that regulates essential cell processes of proliferation, differentiation, and autophagy through protein degradation. The ubiquitination-proteasomal mediated protein degradation requires three sequential enzymes. Initially, the ubiquitin substrate is activated by the E1-activating enzyme. Then activated-ubiquitin is transferred to the E2 conjugating enzyme, and finally, the E3-ligase transfers ubiquitin to the lysine residue in a target protein. The poly-ubiquitinated target protein is degraded by the proteasomal pathway. Over 500 E3-ligases are present in humans and are categorized into three main classes. The largest class is the RING-box proteins which contain a cullin scaffolding protein, an adaptor protein, a substrate recognition protein, and a catalytic subunit RING-box proteins. Ubiquitination depends on the Really Interesting New Gene-box proteins 1 and 2 (Rbx1) and (Rbx2), the only catalytic subunits in the complex. The global deletion of either the Rbx1 or Rbx2 gene leads to early embryonic lethality, prior to the development of skeletal tissue. During embryonic development, Rbx1 and Rbx2 have non-redundant functions, as neither can compensate for the loss of other. Rbx1 and Rbx2 are critical for survival and many biological processes; however, the specific role of Rbx2 E3 ligase during skeletogenesis remains unknown. UAB SRG Spring 2024 newsletter tyras research 2

Story originally published in Vol II, Spring 2024 Bridging the Gap, a newsletter of the UAB Local Student Research Group.

Dental students at snow cone event during ASDA's Wellness Week

If it seems like students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry have a bit more energy these days, there is a reason for that. The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) designated September as Wellness Month, reminding these fledgling dentists to make sure they take time to heal thyself.

Dr. Joseph Volker - Courtesy of the UAB Archives

“We would do Birmingham a great disservice if we dreamed too little dreams.” This quote from Dr. Joseph Volker, DDS, PhD serves as an inspiration to our research society and demonstrates the impact a dental researcher can have on his environment.

Stock photo of woman with braces by prostock studio from Adobe Stock

Many people associate braces with childhood or the teenage years, but orthodontics is not just for kids. In fact, more and more adults are turning to orthodontic care to straighten their teeth, improving the appearance of their smiles and their overall oral health.

stock photo of woman in the chair at the orhtodontics clinic

How much do you know about orthodontics? Many people associate it only with straightening teeth, but it covers much more. From aesthetic improvements to crucial health benefits, orthodontics plays a vital role in maintaining overall oral health.

Farahnaz Fahimipour, D.M.D., Ph.D., M.S., was one of 15 emerging leaders in periodontics selected from across the country to participate in LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, Action, and Development), an exclusive leadership development program hosted by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Kimberly Carr, D.M.D., M.S., is among 20 UAB faculty and staff leaders who were selected for the latest cohort of UAB’s Blaze Leadership Academy, which launched September 13. The academy is designed to prepare high-potential faculty and staff for senior leadership opportunities and become the stewards of UAB’s future.

Farnaz Mehran, Myra Rana, and Amy Trinh, third year dental students, recently participated in UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center’s ENRICH Program.

Brendan Squier , D.M.D., M.D., has joined the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at UAB as an assistant professor.

Adobe stock image of girl with orthodontist in the dental exam chair

When it comes to achieving a straight smile, Chung H. Kau, BDS, MScD, MBA, PhD, chair of the UAB School of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics, emphasizes the importance of seeking out an orthodontist for expert care.

Hussein Basma, D.D.S., M.S., has been selected to receive the 2024 UAB President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching for his exceptional accomplishments in didactic and clinical education.

Adobe Stock image of little girl brushing her teeth

Developing your child’s dental routine can be a daunting task – especially if you are a new parent. Taking care of your child’s teeth right from the start not only helps guide their permanent teeth into proper alignment, but also fosters lifelong dental hygiene habits. Starting a dental care routine early helps eliminate bacteria and plaque, helping prevent what every parent dreads: cavities.

Omar Mohamed, BDS, MS, PGDip, CAGS, FRCDC, has joined the UAB School of Dentistry faculty as an assistant professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, Division of Prosthodontics. He also serves as Director of Quality Assurance.

Bartow Arena was bustling with volunteers on Friday, providing much-needed relief to children in Blount County facing excessive tooth decay.

Ben Moffatt has joined the Office of Development and Alumni Relations as assistant director of development for the School of Dentistry, a newly created position.

During her undergrad days at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Destiny Moser spent plenty of time shadowing medical professionals in various healthcare fields in an attempt to determine the career path she wanted to take. Along the way, Moser discovered she particularly enjoyed the hands-on “artistry” of providing dental care.

During his 32 years with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, alumnus and former faculty member Perng-Ru Liu, DMD, DDS, MS, demonstrated a commitment to continuing education. He did so by constantly continuing to educate, lecturing on a volunteer basis multiple times each year beyond his regular classroom instructions.

GCCODED preview - Drs. Amm, Lamani, Louis

The Global Center for Craniofacial, Oral and Dental Disorders (GC-CODED) has awarded pilot and feasibility grants to four UAB investigators for their research in areas related to conditions of the craniofacial/ oral complex and dentition.

Charlene Paige has been selected for the UAB Elevate Class of 2024-2025. She is a Financial Officer I in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry.

When you drink cold water or a hot cup of coffee, do your teeth feel a little sensitive? Or, when you take a bite of food, do you have a toothache shortly after? If you answered yes, you might be experiencing tooth decay.

In the heart of Birmingham, AL, two brothers are embarking on an extraordinary journey that will intertwine their futures in ways they had never imagined.

Nathan R. Smith, DMD, MPH, FAGD, received the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) during its July 2024 scientific session and convocation ceremony. The Fellowship Award symbolizes excellence in the dental profession and a commitment to exceptional patient care.

Our Local Student Research Group (LSRG) looked for an outreach opportunity to give back to the community and promote research.

Students waiting at 2024 UABSOD White Coat Ceremony

Under the bright lights of the Alys Stephens Center, the UAB School of Dentistry Class of 2026 took center stage to celebrate a pivotal moment – their White Coat Ceremony.

Kent G. Palcanis, DDS, MSD, Professor Emeritus in the UAB Department of Periodontology and a leader in academic dentistry, was one of twelve 2024 honorees named to the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame (AHHOF) Class of 2024.

Dentistry has not always been the straightforward practice that we know today. Many years ago, it was seen as rudimentary and sometimes downright painful. Nowadays, rapid innovations in the field allow for state-of-the-art diagnostics and care that put patients’ comfort at the forefront.

Evan Parker knew in high school that he was interested in some sort of career in the medical field. He just wasn’t certain exactly which profession to pursue. So Parker did what most people do these days. He Googled it.

Alesia Shaaban traveled more than 5,000 miles from her home in Belarus to enroll in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry as part of the International Dentist Program. After arriving, Shaaban discovered that the SOD faculty as well as her fellow classmates were willing to go the extra mile to help her be successful in her dental studies.

The transition to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the School of Dentistry was challenging for Edwin Rojas, but not necessarily because of academics. After all, Rojas has been interested in both the dental field and scientific research since high school. So when he arrived at UAB in 2017, he was prepared for the work that would be needed in the DMD/Ph.D. program.

Riddhi Jani is one of twenty-four students in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry’s International Dentist Program’s Class of 2026 cohort representing a program-high of 18 countries. In this quick interview, she describes her journey to the states, what led her to UAB for dental school, and how she feels about being part of the UAB SOD family.

Adobe Stock image of child with cleft lip

July is Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness and improve understanding of cleft lip and palate defects. About 6,000 to 8,000 babies are born in the United States with such defects each year. UAB School of Dentistry Professor and Chair at the Department of Orthodontics Chung H. Kau, BDS, MScD, Ph.D., works with more than 100 of these infants annually through the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Children’s of Alabama. Recently, the center has introduced slightly newer appliances that can reduce the number of clinic visits by half.

During the early days of her dental training, Ejvis Lamani, D.M.D., Ph.D., discovered that peering into the mouths of her patients made her want to then go peer through the lens of a microscope. Ever since, Lamani’s career has combined the clinical and research sides of the profession, including for the past nine years as an assistant professor of Orthodontics with the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry.

dental patient with anxiety - adobe stock image

Routine dental visits can evoke mixed emotions in individuals. While some find them manageable, others experience intense anxiety at the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair. This anxiety often leads to avoidance, resulting in neglected dental care. Experts from University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Dentistry say that dental anxiety is more common than you think, and it is manageable.

The distance people are driving, and the positive impact dentistry can have on a person’s life, convinced Landon McCardle to pursue a career in the field of dentistry, with a focus on serving rural communities.

Nancy Parsons, administrative project specialist in the Department of Clinical & Community Sciences, is 1 of 3 chosen as the second-quarter 2024 honorees for the UAB Shared Values in Action Program.

UAB School of Dentistry confers Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees in 72^nd annual Commencement Ceremony

Kaytlyn McAllister, Heath Padgett, and Megha Patel

It has been a four-year journey from trepidation to triumph for the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry’s Class of 2024.

Emerson Martins, D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D., has been awarded funding through the UAB Faculty Development Grant Program (FDGP) for his proposal, “Alabama Smile Outreach: Enhancing Lives Through Dentistry – An In-vitro Study.”

University of Alabama at Birmingham student Kayla McCullough enjoys trying to get at the root of a problem. That is why after beginning her Ph.D. training at the School of Dentistry in 2020, she enrolled in the Dental Academic Research Training program (DART) to gain research experience and develop as a clinician scientist.

Since joining the UAB School of Dentistry faculty in 2000, Yung-Tsung Hsu, D.D.S., M.S., D.M.D., a professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences, has helped countless D.M.D. students realize their potential as skilled, compassionate, patient-centered caregivers.